2011 - SUU here she comes!

Kelsee's headed to college to begin her freshman year.  I can hardly believe I am actually writing that statement on paper.  It just seemed like she was in Kindergarten a few weeks ago, and her teacher was telling me I needed to talk to her about her potty mouth.  Boy, did I think I was in for quite the ride.  To be honest, I was wondering how she was going to make it through school without getting into too much mischief.  We made it all in one piece!  Her kindergarten year was probably the most challenging for me as a mom.  She still remembers her mischievous days. :-)

Kelsee and me visiting SUU campus.

We got her all moved in to the dorm/apartment. She had 5 other roommates, each with their own unique personalities. One of the many life lessons she will learn this year.  I have to admit it was a little hard to leave that day but I tried to fight back the tears knowing she was just a 50 minute drive away.  

2011 - Summer Swim Team...GO STINGRAYS!

Every summer, I sign up the kids for the local summer swim team.  They aren't always excited when the season begins.  The water is usually a bit cold and they would rather take it easy since it is their summer break and all.  Within a couple of weeks, they don't complain too much because they enjoy being with their friends.  It's fun to watch them compete and see the improvements they make by the end of the summer. 

Maddy waiting to swim her event.

Bailey and her friend Whitney...best swim buds!

a typical practice day....stretching by the pool.

2011 - Good Friends

Summer is a magical time for kids.  Sleeping in, hanging out with friends, swimming, playing at the park, visiting family and just having fun.  These kids love having a good time.  They have a lot of fun together and are quite creative.

Bailey, Collin, Nadia and Dresden

Bailey (Nadia photographer)

Best friends!

2011 - Summer in Star Valley

Our yearly summer visit to Star Valley to see Grandma Luthi.  We enjoy the beautiful scenery and the great hospitality.  We have to be a little more creative with activities.  I have to admit, I enjoy the slower place and just taking a break and enjoying this beautiful place.  My dad loved Star Valley and the last picture I took of him, he was sitting on the back steps enjoying the view.  I think that's why he endured the winters because the summer months are hard to beat.

All of us at the Freedom Ward annual 24th of July dinner.  Oh how they all love me to take their picture! 

Bailey and Maddy

Bailey with her "hard" hat on waiting for the airplane to drop the candy.

The Freedom ward candy drop.  This has been an annual tradition since I was a kid.  It was always the highlight of the day.  The kids get so excited as the plane starts to circle and then make a pass over the softball field dropping candy for the kids to chase down.  The hard hats (made of soft plastic) are handed out to prevent injuries from the candy.

Jackson Hole and the Tetons...

Abby, Kelsee and Aunt Karen sitting in the Jackson Hole playhouse waiting for Grease the musical to begin.  The kids hadn't seen this before, and I have to admit, I was a little red in the face at times, looking over at my sister, Karen, trying to hold in my giggles.  Great times :-)  

Kelsee

Abby

Bailey

Maddy

We ended our visit to Grandma Luthi's by meeting up with Kelly's family in Bear Lake at the Pickleville playhouse to watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor dreamcoats.  They did a great job. Joseph is one of my favorite musicals.  I really like the music.  

2011 - Mt. Pleasant visit and saying goodbye to Grandma Elswood

Great Grandma Elswood is moving to Puerto Rico at the end of the summer.  She will be turning 100 in October.  Before she leaves, the Speakman and Elswood families got together and had a farewell/birthday BBQ.  It was fun to get together with all of the cousins and catch up.

Abby, Kelsee, Storm, Gordon and Marissa just hanging out.  

Abby, Marissa and Kelsee being a little crazy...

Grandpa's teepee.  All the kids "get" to sleep in this.  There are only a few complaints about aching necks and backs.  

the kids enjoying country living and helping Grandpa with a few chores.

Bailey

Maddy

Kelsee

Abby

 Grandma Elswood and family

Mori and Jared

2011 - The sleepover club

I wonder what could be hiding behind the blankets....

Just Maddy and Bailey hanging out in their sleepover room.  This room used to be my toy storage room but the girls had a different idea.  This is their latest idea.

Lemonade Stand

Gretchen and Maddy's lemonade stand.  They are true entrepreneurs!

Best buds.